Flower Hour with Florists’ Review Jules Lewis Gibson

We invite you to a celebration of the women who've established deep roots in the floral industry. Today, we're joined by the trailblazing Valerie Christosimo of Black Girl Florist, Teresa Colucci, AIFD president and owner of Meadowscent, and Amy Marella, owner of The Hidden Garden, who share their personal transformations from other realms into the world of floristry. These women have not only crafted their own success but have also sown seeds of inspiration, creating spaces for collaboration and mentorship and actively reshaping the landscape to be inclusive and supportive of all aspiring florists.
 
 We honor the enduring legacies of Susan Bates and Frankie Shelton, whose dedication to the art of floristry has forged a path from competitive isolation to a flourishing community. These pioneers have fostered an environment where education, the sharing of knowledge, and mutual support.are the rich soil in which new talent can grow. Their stories remind us that the whole field of floristry flourishes when we lift each other up.
 
 Lastly, we discuss work-life balance, a challenge familiar to working mothers everywhere, with a candid look at how the women of this industry have intertwined their careers with the demands of family life. It's a testament to the resilient spirit of mothers who manage to flourish professionally while also nurturing the next generation. Join us as we celebrate the unity, dedication, and love that fuels the world's most passionate floral professionals.

Host: Nita Robertson, AIFD, CFD – Publisher, Florists’ Review
Guests:
Theresa Culucci, current President of A.I.F.D and owner of Meadowscent in Gardiner, N.Y. meadowscent.com
Valerie Christostomo, CEO and President of Black Girl Florists blackgirlflorists.com
Amy Marella, owner of The Hidden Garden hiddengardenflowers.com
FloristsReview.com | @florists_review

Florists' Review has served the floral industry since 1897. Join our tribe of floral professionals🌺 Subscribe to our print magazines and join our social communities for creative inspiration and floristry business education.

Buckle up for an awe-inspiring journey into the world of floristry, local farming, and community support. We promise you'll find yourself entranced as we uncover the unique ways small farmers have adapted and thrived in these challenging times, while also fueling a revival in gardening.

Join co-hosts Jules Lewis Gibson and Nita Robertson, AIFD, CFD who are all set to spill the beans on the exciting expansion with  Flora Magazine in England. Our discussion with Cameron King, CEO and ambassador of Certified American Grown, unveils the immense efforts made to enhance the bond between American farmers and florists.

The stage then shifts to the vibrant city of San Diego, where Meg Blancato, co-owner of Native Poppy, shares her incredible journey — from the inception of her flower shop to establishing three locations in the area. But what sets Native Poppy apart? Well, their unique stem bar and art installations provide an immersive and captivating experience that educates customers about different flora. Natalie's insightful narrative about how social media and their innovative services, including flower subscriptions and dog treats, have engaged and retained customers will fascinate you.

But that's not all! We'll also plunge into the intriguing realm of micro-farming and how Native Poppy's lead flower farmer, Margaret, has revolutionized their business with sustainable and pesticide-free farming practices. Hold your breath as we reveal how the humble dried flower has bloomed into a thriving business that ships nationwide. We'll wrap up this inspiring episode with the tale of Native Poppy's limited edition seasonal wraps and their heartfelt initiative to support the LGBTQ community in San Diego. So, are you ready to be infused with a fresh perspective on floristry and local farming? Let's get started!

Certified American Grown (CAG) is a non-profit organization started in 2021 that was originally launched in 2015 as a marketing brand. Now as an independent national trade association, it represents a unified and diverse community of American cut flower, cut foliage and potted plant farmers from the United States. From multi-generational to new & up-and-coming, to micro-farms to large volume, our farms range from many types of groups – all working to keep floral, foliage and plants locally grown! Our farms grow classic varieties to the unique & trend-worthy. americangrownflowers.org

Native Poppy is a woman-owned flower shop that delivers flower arrangements, bouquets, and gifts all over sunny San Diego. Floral designer Natalie Gill launched Native Poppy in 2015. Meghan Blancato became a co-owner in 2018, having worked at the first Native Poppy store since opening day. After working every possible job at our shop, from sweeping the shop as a floral assistant to installing epic event florals, Meg has become the embodiment of the Native Poppy brand – that’s Meg responding to your Instagram DMs, leading our brand photoshoots, and planning product launches!
@native_poppy
FloristsReview.com | @florists_review

Florists' Review has served the floral industry since 1897. Join our tribe of floral professionals🌺 Subscribe to our print magazines and join our social communities for creative inspiration and floristry business education.

Florist’ Review  talks with Yvonne Ashton, Director of Marketing at Mayesh, and floral designer Canaan Marshall from Cannan Marshall Designs.

Yvonne Ashton, a marketing whiz at Mayesh, unravels the family roots of this leading floral distributor, and Canann Marshall, a premier florist, shares his journey that started in a museum and slowly bloomed into creating stunning floral arrangements for events and weddings with features in prestigious magazines and a guest spot on HBO MAX's show Full Bloom.

Gain a deeper understanding as Yvonne explains the complex process of introducing new products into the market, the importance of nurturing relationships with breeders and growers, and the role of technology in aiding these processes. Canaan offers a glimpse of his unique style as an event florist. Discover the significance of advanced planning to ensure the perfect flower arrangement for the big day. From the roots of a leading floral distributor to creating breathtaking floral arrangements for events and weddings, their journey is as captivating as the blooms they work with.
Mayesh.com   |  @mayeshwholesale
Yvonne is an experienced Marketing Director with a history of working in the wholesale industry. She has been working for Mayesh over 12 years showcasing her professional skills in Marketing Strategy, Social Media, Public Relations, Customer Service, Event Planning, and Strategy.   Mayesh is a dynamic and growing company, currently employing 400 people across 21 branches in twelve states, but services the entire country from its distribution centers in Los Angeles and Miami.
Canaanmarshall.com  |  @canaanmarshall       
Cannan Marshall is a talented floral designer out of the Atlanta area. He makes extraordinary appear simple, yet always with a fabulous, fun flair. He is a talented floral designer who is known for his gorgeous tablescapes, over-the-top mantels, and breathtaking bridal bouquets. Many of you may know Canaan who was a contestant on Season 2 of Full Bloom on HBO Max. 

Hosts
Jules Lewis Gibson
President & Creative Director, Florists’ Review Media Group
Nita Robertson, AIFD
Sales Manager and Floral Director, Florists' Review


FloristsReview.com | @florists_review

Florists' Review has served the floral industry since 1897. Join our tribe of floral professionals🌺 Subscribe to our print magazines and join our social communities for creative inspiration and floristry business education.

Florist’ Review talks with the president of Alexandra Farms, Joey Azout, and  Paulina Nieliwocki, owner of Blue Jasmine Floral

Join us for an interesting conversation with two of the most talented and generous professionals in the floral industry. 
 Alexandra Farms was started by Jose R. Azout in 2005 and is named after his daughter. A boutique grower specializing in nostalgic, romantic, fresh-cut garden roses and dahlias located in the fertile savanna of Bogotá, high in the Andes Mountains of Colombia. Alexandra Farms offers some of the finest garden roses available anywhere in the world.
Alexandrafarms.com   |   @alexandrafarms
Discount Code for AFCD class. Here's the code to enter at checkout: AFARMS20

Paulina Nieliwocki started her journey in flowers while she was a high-school teacher. She fell in love with flowers as a medium and left her career as an educator to open Blue Jasmine Floral in 2014. As a floral designer, she uses dainty accents, color, and texture to create her signature style. Paulina’s effervescent personality perfectly matches the whimsically exquisite floral designs she creates.
Paulina Nieliwocki, Blue Jasmine Floral, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Bluejasminefloral.com   |   @bluejasminefloral  

Hosts
Jules Lewis Gibson
President & Creative Director,  Florists’ Review Media Group
Nita Robertson, AIFD
Sales Manager and Floral Director,  Florists’ Review 
Floristsreview.com   |    @florists_review
FloristsReview.com | @florists_review

Florists' Review has served the floral industry since 1897. Join our tribe of floral professionals🌺 Subscribe to our print magazines and join our social communities for creative inspiration and floristry business education.

Welcome to the Florists' Review podcast community!  If you're a professional florist or aspiring to be one, this podcast is your go-to resource for invaluable insights, expert tips, and inspiration to help you thrive in the floral industry.  
In this podcast, our co-hosts Jules Lewis Gibson and Nita Robertson, AIFD talk with experts in the floral industry who share valuable insights into their business and path to success. We aim to provide you with actionable strategies and ideas to elevate your floral business.

Our team at FR is dedicated to providing valuable knowledge, connecting professionals across the globe, and staying on top of trends in the floral industry.  For over 125 years, Florists' Review has served the global floral industry and we are thrilled to have this new podcast medium to help expand the conversation in our monthly print publications. Visit our website Floristsreview.com to subscribe to our magazines, and remember to follow us here to be notified of our next show. We greatly appreciate your support!
FloristsReview.com | @florists_review

Florists' Review has served the floral industry since 1897. Join our tribe of floral professionals🌺 Subscribe to our print magazines and join our social communities for creative inspiration and floristry business education.